Gila Back at Milanello: Rectus Femoris Strain
Mario Gila has returned early from AC Milan’s pre-season tour in Australia. The Spanish defender, dealing with a rectus femoris muscle strain, had travelled with the squad to the Australian leg of the tour but never took part in any collective training sessions, working individually on the side and missing the Perth Derby against Inter. The decision to send him back early to Milanello was taken in recent hours, with the aim of allowing him to work in a more controlled and peaceful environment.
A Questionable Call
The choice to bring Gila on tour despite the physical issue already confirmed before departure — the defender had picked up the injury in a friendly against Celtic — is at least debatable. Medical examinations had ruled out structural damage, but the muscle strain was already present and documented. Taking him to the other side of the world to train on his own, without being able to contribute to team activities or feature in the Australian derby, appears to have unnecessarily exposed him to long-haul flights and unnecessary physical stress.
It would arguably have been more logical, and more prudent, to leave him at Milanello from the outset for a calm and gradual recovery, avoiding gruelling flights and time zone changes. It’s a reflection on the club’s medical and athletic management, an aspect that is always a delicate one when dealing with muscle injuries that can recur if not treated with the right level of care.
Training at Milanello with Pulisic and Giménez
Gila will now train at Milanello alongside two other teammates who stayed behind from the tour: Christian Pulisic and Santiago Giménez. The talented American is following his own recovery programme, while several transfer scenarios remain open regarding the Mexican striker’s future. Lazio and Porto remain interested in Giménez, but Milan have yet to lower their asking price.
Three important players, then, who will work away from the main group during this crucial phase of pre-season preparation. The hope is that all three can recover fully and be in top shape for the start of the league season, set for 23 August away at Torino, managed by former Rossoneri Ignazio Abate.
Countdown to the Season Opener
Milan are meanwhile approaching their final pre-season friendlies: Sunday, 9 August sees the test against Chelsea, followed by the last pre-season outing on 15 August, the Italian national holiday of Ferragosto, against Manchester United at 4:45 PM — a club Sérgio Conceição knows well from his time in European football. The countdown to Serie A has officially begun.
